Chicken and Pineapple BBQ Skewers

Last summer my friend Sarah brought these to a backyard potluck and I literally could not stop eating them. The way the sweet pineapple gets those gorgeous charred edges while the chicken stays juicy and tender is absolute magic. Now I make them at least once a week during grilling season, and my family actually cheers when they see me cutting up the pineapple.

I learned the hard way that you really do need to soak those wooden skewers or they will burn into ash on your grill. My first attempt ended with half the skewer literally disintegrating mid-grill and chicken chunks falling through the grates. Now I always keep metal skewers handy as backup, plus they are reusable which is a nice bonus.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless is essential here for even cooking, and cutting them into uniform cubes ensures everything finishes grilling at the same time
• Fresh pineapple: The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill creating those gorgeous charred spots that add so much flavor
• Red bell pepper and red onion: These add beautiful color and a slight sweetness that plays perfectly with the BBQ sauce
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade, just make sure it is a good quality one you would happily put on anything else
• Olive oil and soy sauce: The oil keeps the chicken from drying out while the soy sauce adds a savory depth and helps the marinade stick
• Garlic and smoked paprika: These two create that smoky aromatic base that makes everyone immediately think summer grilling
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: The bright herbal notes and acidity cut right through the rich BBQ flavors for balance

Instructions

Make the marinade:

Whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl until completely smooth and combined.

Marinate the chicken:

Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade until every piece is evenly coated, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours for the best texture.

Prep your skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading, or use metal skewers which do not need any prep.

Heat the grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat around 200°C or 400°F, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Assemble the skewers:

Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers in alternating patterns, ending each skewer with a piece of chicken or pineapple.

Grill to perfection:

Cook the skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them every few minutes and brushing with extra BBQ sauce halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.

Finish and serve:

Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Save

These skewers have become my go-to for summer parties because they are so easy to prep ahead and everyone can customize their own. Last weekend my niece who claims she hates pineapple actually tried a piece and then proceeded to pick all the pineapple off every single skewer. Kid approved.

Make Ahead Magic

You can cut up all the vegetables and pineapple the day before and keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can marinate overnight too, which actually makes it even more flavorful. Just thread everything onto skewers when you are ready to grill.

Grilling Tips

Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for any flare-ups from the sugary BBQ sauce dripping onto the flames. Also make sure you leave a little space between pieces on each skewer so the heat can reach all sides and everything gets those beautiful grill marks.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers are fantastic served over coconut rice for a tropical twist or alongside grilled corn on the cob. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette helps cut through the rich BBQ flavors. For a complete summer feast, add some potato salad or coleslaw.

• Set up a toppings bar with extra BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and chopped peanuts for sprinkling
• Serve with grilled naan or flatbread to soak up all those delicious juices
• Cold beer or fruity sangría are perfect refreshing drinks to pair with these skewers

Save

There is something about food on a stick that just makes eating more fun, and these skewers never fail to disappear fast. Hope your summer is filled with good food and great friends.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption. Longer marinating times result in more tender, flavorful meat.

→ Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden?

Absolutely. Metal skewers don't require soaking and conduct heat for faster cooking. Wooden skewers need 20 minutes of soaking to prevent burning on the grill.

→ What temperature should I grill these at?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 200°C (400°F). This ensures proper cooking while creating those desirable charred marks without burning.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the juices run clear. This typically takes 12-15 minutes of grilling with occasional turning.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Thread the skewers just before grilling to maintain texture. Leftovers store well for 2-3 days.

→ What sides pair well with these skewers?

These pair beautifully with grilled corn, fluffy rice, fresh coleslaw, or a light green salad. The sweet and smoky flavors also complement roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.